Extra cash has been given to projects in Stockton Borough to help the area meet its aim to make learning a life-long experience.

The money comes from the Government's New Opportunities programme via its Adult and Community Learning Fund and will be given over two years.

Minister for Adult Skills John Healey said: "All the projects will provide more learning opportunities for people within their own communities."

The Salvation Army in Stockton has been given £38,000. Cash will be spent on learning about parenting and health in disadvantaged areas. Major Karen Clark said the group was "absolutely elated."

She said: "We were surprised and delighted because there were about 600 bidding for money."

The Salvation Army has just started a parent and tots group and is running basic IT skills and a reminiscence course for the elderly during which they have been encouraged to write their life stories to pass on to their families.

In the future the Army also wants to provide a crèche for mothers wanting to learn IT and employ a bus driver to help elderly people get to courses.

Thornaby's Five Lamps Organisation will receive £10,000. It will be spent on a programme of learning that will result in a performing arts show.

Stockton International Family Centre has been awarded £12,500 to improve the chances of men getting work by developing their English skills.

The Carers Resource Centre, based in Stockton town centre, gets £8,576. The money will be spent to provide "a menu of activities" to encourage carers to return to learning.

* Darlington College of Technology receives £21,350 for a project to help disaffected and disadvantaged young people gain accreditation.